It is generally well known that those individuals that work with vulnerable adults and children in the UK need to have DBS checks. However, not many are aware that those that work with animals also need to undergo these checks.
Zookeeper: This kind of job they are doing at the zoo will determine what level of DBS check they will need. For regular maintenance, cleaning and feeding they only need a Basic DBS check. However, in roles that have them more hands on with the with animals like taking care of them they will need to undergo a Standard DBS Check.
There are certain zookeepers that also partake in entertainment activities as part of their job. This entails coming into contact with the public during petting and feeding sessions mostly with children on site. Due to this it is necessary for all such employees to undergo Enhanced DBS Checks.
Regulated Activity: These involve coming into direct contact with vulnerable adults or children in some way or the other through an individuals work duties. According to the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) an individual can be restricted from being part of such an activity. As per the law any individual that has been barred earlier from working in roles that involve regulated activity cannot be employed to work with vulnerable children or adults as it is considered a criminal offence.
Any individual that participates in a regulated activity must undergo a standard or enhanced DBS check first. Whether taking care of children in after school extracurricular activities like sports or caring for them at a day car centre, every such person will need to get a standard or enhanced DBS check as per their activity.
Dog walkers: Generally, dog walkers and pet sitters will not need DBS certification for their job. However, they must possess the right documents like insurance and a licence before they apply for a job to handle and take care of anyone’s pets. Still there are dog walkers and pet sitters that prefer to get a Basic DBS check done before they begin a job. This will ensure that they are safe to work with the pets and trustworthy enough to spend time at people’s homes.
In this situation there will be no need for a third-party to ask for the DBS check (as is the norm). These can be applied directly by an individual for which they will need to complete the online application form. It is especially helpful to those pet sitters and dog walkers that are self-employed as it quickens the process and also serves as assurance for their potential job.
Veterinarians: All those working as Vets would require a standard DBS check before they take up their position. This is because of the need for the individual to be checked if there have been any earlier instances of neglect or cruelty to animals.
As with dog walkers and pet sitters, vets are mostly responsible for the welfare of the beloved pets of families. In most cases, the pets need medical assistance of some kind when in the care of a vet and are therefore vulnerable. In many instances, the vets work unattended with the pets so there is an increased need for the vet to undergo a thorough DBS check.
Therapy Animals: There are still quite many of those that are of the belief that any work involved with animals will not need a DBS check. However, in the case of working with therapy animals it is altogether different.
Any individual that works with vulnerable adults, children and therapy animals will need to undergo an enhanced DBS check along with the barred list.
Likewise, any individual that works with therapy animals in a care shelter or hospital will also require an enhanced DBS check. If there are no animals involved it will only need a standard DBS check. The same is the case with children’s homes where therapy animals offer support.
